E-Torque

1 review for E-Torque

1. 

   CC E-Cycles – July 6, 2023

   Video Review

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   Written Review

   To run the forums, host the website, and travel, there is a universal service fee for EBR reviews. This review was sponsored by the EUNORAU. The goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of EUNORAU products.

   Since 2010 EUNORAU has been a manufacturer of electric bikes sold around the world, more specifically in Australia, Europe and North America. Operating principally online, there is a warehouse in Las Vegas where one can test ride a bike by appointment. Vegas is a 6 hour drive from where I live, but strangely enough I encountered this bike across the world in Hangzhou China, where EUNORAU HQ is located. The E-TORQUE model is an affordable comfort city bike with a unique combination of quality and affordable components. The electric system has some great creature comforts, along side the styling and fit of the bike. Electrically, this bike has a full range of features: pedal assist, throttle, full-color display, and LED lights. Mechanically, the bike is fairly basic, but the comfort additions help make up for that. EUNORAU warehouses bikes and parts in the United States, but have yet to establish a dealer base. This particular bike has one frame size and one color option, but the low price point makes for a compelling offer, and the wider offering of bikes and kits follow a similar vein.

   Electrically, this bike has a great combination of features. The display is both out of the way, and offers an easy read-out. Located on the left side of the handlebars, the display has two main buttons for controlling pedal assist that are easy to locate without having to glance down at the display. The buttons have a vibrating feedback (called haptic feedback) that will buzz a tiny bit when the button is pressed. This sort of feature provides a great way of understanding the control the rider has on the bike, and generally improves the ride with more peace of mind. The display, though small, utilizes a full color screen with a very recognizable automobile motif for the speedometer. This enables any rider (who drives a car) to easily recognize the display without having to learn a new system. The display works, and works immediately! It does lack some customization features, such as a heart rate monitor or cadence counter, but for a simple city bike, those measurements are less coveted. The LED lights on the bike are integrated to the main battery and are toggled easily by the main display. Without having to change or recharge tiny light batteries, it makes for a much more approachable ride. I can’t count how many times I’ve groaned in regret from forgetting to fix the tiny batteries on a bicycle light. The E-TORQUE is named such from the bottom bracket mounted torque sensor. Some eBikes use a strain gauge torque sensor that measures flex at the point of the rear axle, whereas the E-TORQUE uses a hall-effect sensor to measure the magnetic field surrounding the central shaft between the cranks. Having a very precise and localized reporting system gives a very natural and fast delivery of power, and also protects the components from external wear or abuse. The torque sensor on the E-TORQUE works wonderfully, and is in contrast to many bikes at this price point. There are some drawbacks to the electric system. The Bafang rear hub motor adds about 8lbs to the rear wheel, and more difficult to remove than a traditional wheel. If you encounter flat tires often, you may want to upgrade to a thicker tire, or an internal liner to prevent flats. The rear hub motor, along with the rider weight being more relaxed (i.e. slanted to the rear) combines to wear the rear tire faster than the front. To keep things even, an owner may wish to rotate tires every 1,000 miles or so. The other drawback would be the 36v battery, and the 350w motor. Many throttle-equipped bikes utilize a 48v system, and a 500w motor which allows for more power to be sent through the system in duration and in bursts. In more demanding situations, this 36v electric system may not be enough to conquer any hill with any rider at full-bore. For a rider of 200lbs or more with common slopes of 10 to 17 degrees I would not recommend relying on full throttle from this system. Pedal assist should serve well, as it has much needed input from the rider to assist in relieving demand from the electric system.

   Mechanically, this bike is made for casual and easy rides. The seating position is very relaxed and upright. As a more comfortable bike, this enables the rider to stay on the bike as long as they are comfortable on a bike seat. The adjustable handlebars and comfort grips lower the risk of fatigue from positioning the hands in an unnatural stance. The low step-through frame is easy to mount for riders who are shorter, or who have difficulty bending their knees, a nice combination of comfort and approachability. The E-TORQUE includes mandated reflectors on the spokes, and the rider would do well to keep them as there are no reflective stripes on the tires, nor lights that face the side. 13 gauge spokes are perfectly adequate for the additional weight and speed that electric bikes travel, and the double walled wheels can withstand the rigors as well. The mechanical disc brakes are acceptable for this use and easy to adjust or repair. Personally, I prefer mechanical for the maintenance reason, but hydraulic brakes do provide better stopping power, and need maintenance less often. With a 63mm travel front fork, the E-TORQUE takes bumps up front fairly easily, while the suspension seatpost also takes off some of the edge of bumpy road terrain. The frame of the bike has some flex to it, which can be a bit unsettling at first, but for the casual terrain the bike is intended for, it performs quite well. The seat is surprisingly comfortable for it’s relatively low profile. I’ve used similar seats in the past with less padding, which can be quite uncomfortable with a suspension post, but the E-TORQUE has a great combination of touch point components. The lock-on comfort grips have a good feeling to them without sliding and rotating around the handlebars. I also appreciate the full length grips, rather than the cut-out grips that are made to accommodate a larger twist throttle. The slanted seat post gives a relaxed, and more upright position for the rider. This is far more comfortable and approachable for new riders, or for people who enjoy taking in the surroundings. The thin top tube of the frame slops into the rear triangle, giving it almost a 50s diner look to it. On account of the extra metal, the rear triangle may be strong enough to handle additional weight, which is where the rider’s weight is positioned as well. The rear rack is bolted to the frame, and can carry some weight to it as well. The rack itself can handle less weight than the frame, which is the way it should be, however it would be nice to see a more sturdy rack rated for a greater load on account of the reenforced frame. Since the bike is using a torque sensing bottom bracket, it works better with a single chain ring up front. In combination with the 7 speed shimano drive train in the back, you have a fairly basic set of mechanical gears. Should the rider use the bike without electric assist for an extended period, the mechanical shifting and range can feel like a chore. But, like nearly all electric bikes, it’s made to be used electrically, where it excels.

   I think the EUNORAU E-TORQUE is best suited for a casual rider, or regular commuter. A casual rider would appreciate the price, as well as the comfort features that make cycling easier to commit to from day to day. The interaction with the rider is great, and the components are not so high end that they wouldn’t be utilized. For the commuter, the bike is great for everyday trips on account of the included accessories: The rack, fenders, lights, and chain guard. Each of these make eBike commuting more versatile, for the times that require a bit of cargo capacity, low-light or wet road conditions, or for burning the midnight oil and using the lights to get home. The biggest drawback I see in this bike is in direct correlation with one of it’s strengths; price vs power. As a bicycle, there are some conscious choices of mechanical components that fit the bikes use, however, the 36v battery and 350w motor can be underpowered in throttle-powered conditions addressed earlier. However, the entry price of $1,599 and free shipping makes for a great offer for folks who won’t encounter high-load situations very often. Weighing these options is, of course, the burden of the buyer, but hopefully this review has helped shed some light on the bike. I think the E-TORQUE accomplishes its goals very well. As an affordable commuter, it has some great features that make cycling more relaxing and enjoyable. The electric interaction with the rider (torque sensor, nice display, throttle) is very comforting and easy for new and experienced riders to appreciate.

   The staff at EUNORAU is very excited to be showcasing to the USA market. As a brand that primarily sells online, it’s nice to have the chance to ride one and get a real review of the bike without having to rely solely on spec sheets and provided media. As always, we welcome feedback and comments below, we also just launched a EUNORAU forum section where you can connect directly with others and share your pictures, videos, and deeper questions 🙂

   Pros:

   • Torque sensing bottom bracket is very responsive and sensitive, making pedal assist very natural and exciting
   • Step-through frame is easily accessible for many different riders
   • Mechanical disc brakes are easy to maintain, and provide adequate stopping power, especially in casual rides
   • Metal fenders are strong, pretty and are far less prone to sagging or rubbing over time
   • Scarlet red color is easy to see in traffic, and is a neutral color that’s easy to share
   • Thumb throttle is full access override, not limited by the pedal assist level
   • Rear rack can hold fair amount of commuting or light shopping cargo
   • Full color display is easy to see, easy to use, and easy to understand
   • Adjustable stem and low minimum seat height allow for shorter riders and easy adjusting
   • Standard Schrader valves are easy to fill and are easily serviceable
   • Front and rear LED lights operate on the main battery, saving yourself the endless carousel of charging or replacement small batteries
   • Half-integrated battery houses batteries easily, and locks into position with a unique key
   • Suspension seat-post adds a lot of comfort for easy rides
   • Suntour fork provides adequate comfort and clearance for city riding

   Cons:

   • Brake inhibitors stop the motor power once the brakes are depressed, and this bike doesn’t have them. Without electronic brake inhibitors, a rider should be fully comfortable riding electric bikes before getting too casual with this bike
   • The bright front LED light is mounted on the arc of the front fork, rather than the crown, exposing the bracket to more vibration and shifting over time
   • The Bafang hub motor is a great system, but it has a motor cable that escapes from the side of the axle, which exposes it to wear, and makes for a cable-crowded rear end
   • The trigger throttle power output is limited by the level of assist being used, this means you can’t use it as a quick override to climb easier or go faster… they might have done this as a safety feature since the bike starts in level 1 assist where the throttle is active
   • The shifter and mechanical gear set is pretty basic. If you plan on using full-power assist or throttle, you wouldn’t notice. But persistent shifting in the city on longer rides will showcase their lower price point
   • There are no frame mounted provisions for a water bottle. The rear rack could do it, but you’d likely need to stop in order to cool off